Ann Curry Out at NBC?

Word ’round the blogosphere has it that NBC is “quietly preparing” to replace Today Show anchor Curry after less than a year as co-host of the network’s flagship morning program. A squeal close to a deal to oust Ann tells The New York Times that the newswoman has been in chats with network officials for weeks about taking on a different job.

After 14 years with Today, Curry took over as co-host when Meredith Vieira left the show last year. A nosedive in ratings soon followed.

Today had consistently ranked No. 1 in the morning ratings until this spring, when it was bested for several weeks by ABC’s Good Morning America. The falling ratings, a lack of chemistry with co-host Matt Lauer and Curry’s suitability for hard news are being cited as reasons for the change, according to The Times.

Curry is reportedly negotiating an exit plan, but the network is working to keep her at NBC News in some capacity.Discussions about Curry’s future with the network are expected to be finished before NBC’s coverage of the Summer Olympics begins in late July.